India’s wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has praised the leadership of captain Suryakumar Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir for creating a supportive atmosphere within the T20I team. After a successful group-stage match against Oman in the Asia Cup, Samson shared his thoughts in a video released by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
He noted that the environment under their guidance fosters creativity and freedom among players. “I really appreciate Surya and Gauti bhai for maintaining such a positive atmosphere,” he said. “It’s very relaxed, and everyone is treated equally, which is important.”
Samson believes that this inclusive culture allows players to shine. “When you’re comfortable and responsible, it brings out your best. Giving players the freedom to express themselves is crucial in this format,” he explained.
In the match against Oman, Samson batted at No. 3 and scored a steady half-century, helping to anchor India’s innings. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be in the middle and contribute to the team’s performance. “I’m thankful for the chance to play in such an important tournament. Game time really helped me,” he remarked.
Discussing the game, Samson acknowledged that Oman posed a challenge early on with their bowling. “They bowled well during the powerplay, knowing the conditions better than us. We had to respect both the opponents and the situation,” he admitted.
Samson also enjoyed his brief partnership with Abhishek Sharma, discussing how much fun it was to bat together. “I had a great time opening with Abhi. We kept things simple and enjoyed our small partnership,” he shared.
He concluded by highlighting the sense of responsibility among players, both on and off the field. “Everyone feels accountable for their performances and contributes positively to the team’s environment. It’s been wonderful,” he said.
As India progresses to the Super 4 stage, Samson’s form will be particularly important as they prepare for a critical match against Pakistan.
